{"id":42264,"date":"2024-07-09T07:36:06","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T06:36:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/adrianwarnock\/?p=42264"},"modified":"2024-07-10T16:08:30","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T15:08:30","slug":"john-stevens-on-keir-starmers-1st-speech-as-prime-minister","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/adrianwarnock\/2024\/07\/john-stevens-on-keir-starmers-1st-speech-as-prime-minister\/","title":{"rendered":"John Stevens on Keir Starmer’s 1st Speech as Prime Minister"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

Sir Keir Starmer giving his first speech outside Number 10 Downing Street. Source: Government YouTube Account<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Today I welcome John Stevens the director of the UK\u2019s Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches as a guest author. \u00a0He is writing about a Christian perspective on the \u00a0new Prime Minister\u2019s speech outside Downing Street. Like Rishi Sunak this speech included a generous tribute<\/a> to his opponent.<\/p>\n

Here are some excerpts from the speech:<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon\u2026 I have just returned from Buckingham Palace. Where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King. To form the next government of this great nation.\u00a0I want to thank the outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. \u00a0His achievement as the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country. The extra effort that will have required should not be underestimated by anyone.\u00a0We pay tribute to that today. And we also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership.<\/p>\n

But now our country has voted, decisively, for change. For national renewal. \u00a0And a return of politics to public service. When the gap between the sacrifices made by people, and the service they receive from politicians, grows this big., It leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation.\u00a0\u00a0A draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future. That we need to move forward, together . . .\u00a0My government will serve\u00a0you.\u00a0Politics can be a force for good \u2013 we will show that.\u00a0And that is how we will govern. \u00a0Country first, party second . . .<\/p>\n

From now on. You have a government unburdened by doctrine. Guided only by a determination to serve your interests. To defy, quietly, those who have written our country off.<\/p>\n

You have given us a clear mandate,\u00a0And we will use it to deliver change. To restore service and respect to politics. End the era of noisy performance.\u00a0Tread more lightly on your lives. And unite our country.\u00a0Four nations. Standing together again. Facing down, as we have so often in our past.\u00a0The challenges of an insecure world. Committed \u2013 to a calm and patient rebuilding.\u00a0So with respect and humility, I invite you all. To join this government of service, In the mission of national renewal.\u00a0Our work is urgent. And we begin it today.\u201d Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Watch the Video<\/h2>\n \ \u00a0<\/p>\n